The National Energy Policy (NEP) is a sectoral policy document designed to promote the optimal supply and utilisation of energy to support socio-economic development in a safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Its ultimate objective is to ensure universal access to a range of modern energy services that meet the needs for lighting, heating, static power and motive power, thereby enhancing economic productivity and improving quality of life. The policy underscores the Government’s commitment to fully harnessing the potential of the energy sector to drive economic growth and reduce poverty. It therefore serves as a guiding framework for decision-makers, policymakers and development managers in Government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society by outlining the Government’s intended actions and priorities in the energy sector. The NEP identifies the major challenges associated with the exploitation, distribution and utilisation of various energy resources and establishes broad policy objectives and strategies to address them. In this regard, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) plays an important role in creating an enabling environment and promoting fairness and transparency in the energy sector through licensing regulations, the establishment of product and service standards, and the promotion of investment. The Policy sets out the following strategic objvectivesm linked to the basic guiding principles (i) increase the access of all sectors of the economy to affordable energy services through the optimal use of available energy resources and the diversification of supply options (applicability, availability, acceptability and affordability principles); (ii) stimulate sustainable economic growth by promoting competition, efficiency and investment in the sector (applicability and accountability principles); (iii) improve the institutional framework and governance in the energy sector to enhance efficiency and the delivery of energy services (accountability principle); (iv) promote research and development in the energy sector (applicability principle); (v) develop the use of other renewable sources of energy to complement conventional sources of energy (applicability and acceptability principles). The strategies outlined in the Policy are intended to facilitate the effective implementation of the NEP by addressing the following 4 key issues (1) ensure policy clarity and awareness by elaborating on the policy’s objectives and providing a directory of energy-related policies contained in various documents; (2) promote consistency between policy and action by bridging the gap between stated policy objectives and the actions of decision-makers; (3) identify and address policy and legislative gaps, particularly in areas not adequately covered by existing policies or legislation, or where current provisions permit different interpretations or approaches; (4) establish a framework for the regular review and evaluation of energy-sector performance. This is particularly important because the ad hoc management of energy-related issues has contributed to recurring energy crises, compelling the country to adopt costly short-term solutions rather than pursue a coordinated, systematic and least-cost approach to energy-sector development. The National Energy Policy examines Zimbabwe’s energy sector from three perspectives: demand, supply and cross-cutting issues. The demand side focuses on agriculture, industry and mining, commerce and services, transport, and households, promoting efficient energy use and affordable, reliable access while reducing reliance on fuelwood. The supply side aims to strengthen energy security and sustainability by optimising local coal resources, diversifying petroleum supplies, improving electricity infrastructure, encouraging private investment and expanding renewable energy sources such as biomass, hydropower, solar and wind. Cross-cutting issues include reducing dependence on energy imports, improving energy efficiency, ensuring safety and environmental protection, promoting equitable access, strengthening research and development, and enhancing energy planning, pricing and regional cooperation.
Zimbabwe · 2012-01-01